NEED TO KNOW
A woman in Australia was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer after being told she was “too young” for cancer
When she finally had surgery, doctors removed a tumor the size of a watermelon
She is now sharing her story to encourage other young people to advocate for themselves within the healthcare system
A woman in Australia was told she had a 28-lb. cancerous ovarian tumor after being told she was “too young” for cancer.
Jessica, 35, who opted not to share her last name, said she knew something was going on with her body while speaking to 7News Australia.
“I approached a few doctors who told me that I was too young for cancer, that it was something that was generally considered more in older people. I got told that it could be a stomach ulcer,” she recalled while speaking to the outlet.
However, Jessica, who said she has a strong family history of the disease, continued to seek out answers. Doctors eventually discovered a mass in her abdomen that measured nearly 12 inches across and weighed over 28 lbs. — the approximate size of a watermelon.
She was admitted to a hospital for surgery on Oct. 31, 2025.
“They removed the tumor along with my right ovary and my right fallopian tube,” she told the outlet.
“Now from that they obviously did testing, which determined that I have an exceptionally rare cancer,” she added.
Jessica at the doctor’s office during treatment for ovarian cancer
Credit: GoFundMe
Jessica is now telling her story in an attempt to create increased awareness about growing cancer rates among young people.
“Being 35 and having been dismissed as much as I was is quite disappointing, and I think as a young female, I’m living proof that it can happen and cancer doesn’t discriminate based on age,” she explained.
She also urged medical providers to take patients seriously when they say something doesn’t feel right.
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“When we come in and we’re displaying these symptoms, hear us, you know? Really hear what we’re saying and, you know, push for further testing because that could be the difference between being diagnosed in stage 1 or stage 3 and 4” she said.
Jessica is currently undergoing chemotherapy, and while she admits she’s scared, she also said she knows she’s up for the challenge.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified. But with that fear also comes something else, which is this fierce nature to battle this cancer,” she told 7News.
However, she also admitted that cancer treatment can be grueling and has a very real impact on her daily existence.
Jessica, who was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer in 2025
Credit: GoFundMe
“There’s cold sensitivity, permanent neuropathy, which is a big one, so pins and needles, muscle aches, tiredness, fatigue, nausea. It’s taken a huge toll on my life,” she said, adding that there are some days when she can barely walk.
She said her experience has taught her a valuable lesson about the importance of advocating for yourself within the healthcare system.
“Ladies when something doesn’t feel right, fight for it,” she added.
In a GoFundMe established to help cover Jessica’s medical expenses, Jessica shared that her specific form of cancer, stage 3 mucinous adenocarcinoma with anaplastic nodules, is so rare that treatment options in Australia “are limited.”
She said she has located a specialist in Germany who she believes will give her “the best possible chance” of survival, but that the immense cost of the treatment and travel will make it impossible without financial help.
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“The reality is that seeking treatment abroad comes with significant costs — medical fees, genetic tests, specialist oncologists, travel abroad and ongoing follow-up checks to ensure this does not return — many of which are not covered by insurance. As much as I wish I could travel this journey alone, I can’t,” she said on the fundraising page.
“If you are able to contribute, no amount is too small. If you can’t donate, sharing this page would mean just as much. Every message, every share, every bit of support reminds me that I’m not fighting alone,” she added.
The GoFundMe page has a fundraising goal of $110K.
Read the original article on People